COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 9, 2018) – At the end of the day William Nottingham likes the way Spring Creek Ranch fits his game. It shows, too. The Clemson junior maintained his lead at the Tennessee Amateur, and will take a one-shot lead into Friday’s final round.

“I think the course fits my game pretty well,” Nottingham told the Tennessee Golf Association after the second round. “I drive it pretty straight and that’s one of the things you have to do well here.”

Nottingham’s rounds haven’t been crazy, just consistent. On Thursday, he mixed two birdies with two bogeys for an even-par 72. It followed back-to-back rounds of 69 to start the event.

“I’ve just tried to focus on hitting the fairways, because that’s the main thing out here,” Nottingham told the TGA. “If you hit the fairways, you have a lot of good opportunities to make birdies. I’ve been able to do that and set myself up with some good chances.”

Nottingham was able to stay in the top spot despite the fact that many of the players closest to him were under par on Thursday. Brayden Garrison and Kyle Cottam, tied for second at 5 under, had 70 and 71, respectively, in the third round.

Aaron Ingalls had a 69 to climb into a share of fourth with Brock Ochsenreiter, who stumbled a little on Thursday. After a second-round 67, Ochsenreiter had a few too many bogeys in a round of 73.

Tim Jackson, the six-time Tennessee Amateur champion, made up ground with a second-round 70 (he rose as high as T-6) but gave up a few spots Thursday with a third-round 76.

ABOUT THE Tennessee State Amateur

Applications are open to amateurs who possess an
active
USGA/GHIN Handicap Index of 8.0 or less from a
TGA member club or
course. An 18-hole stroke play qualifier is required
for
those who do not meet the exemption criteria.
Format
consists of 72 holes of stroke play with a cut to the
low
60 and ties after the second round.